“Beyond Polarisations: Youth Renewing Democracy” Seminar

Democracy is facing a new era of challenges - from algorithmic polarisation to a declining institutional trust. However, the youth and education sectors hold a unique power: the ability to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and resilience.

In this context, New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC) brings into attention a 3-day seminar designed to move "Beyond Polarisations". It is meant to be an experiential laboratory where we will map the current landscape of democracy, share practices & tools, reflect on our role in the process and build cross-sectoral connections that support the young people we work with. Together, we will explore how youth work & education fields can renew democracy from the ground up.

The event will bring together 50 participants - youth workers, educators & teachers, civic leaders and community builders - connected to the topic of civic education and youth participation, and interested in exploring the challenges and opportunities in their own local/national contexts. Aligned to European agenda and youth policy, the event contributes directly to the EU Youth Strategy, EU Preparedness Strategy and the strategic priorities of Erasmus & European Solidarity Programmes.

The seminar will take place between 25-29 May 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia. 25 arrival day, 26-28 full event days, 29 departure day.

What can you expect?

• Explore realities of youth polarisation at the intersection with gender (manosphere, gender discrimination), human rights, dis/misinformation (use of social media & digital platforms), institutional distrust and their impact on civic engagement.
• Spaces for collective reflection on what are the root causes that lead to polarisation and what are adequate youth work and cross-sectoral responses.
• Reflect on personal and professional competences (of youth workers/educators) that can support young people to navigate through democratic uncertainties.
• Learn from sharing good youth work practices that address democratic challenges in different contexts including Erasmus+ & ESC projects.

What is the topical focus?

To explore practical ways of supporting “Youth Renewing Democracy” the seminar advances four thematic focuses, especially through the Learning by doing part of the program (Thematic Capacity Building Workshops - Wednesday 27 May and Community of Practice Exchanges - Thursday 28 May):

1. The Belonging Gap: Fostering Youth Resilience

Across Europe, many young people—especially those from vulnerable or marginalized backgrounds—struggle with feeling excluded from society. This “belonging gap” can leave them more exposed to risks of polarisation and even radicalisation. Gendered narratives, online subcultures, discrimination, and identity debates often deepen these divides.

We will look at how inclusive and preventive approaches can strengthen resilience, create safe spaces, and help young people feel that they truly belong. How can youth workers and educators hold space for complex identity debates without reinforcing divisions? How can communities of practice share tools and strategies to address exclusion constructively?

2. The Distrust Rift: Reimagining Youth Participation and Alternative Democratic Practices

Trust in institutions is declining across Europe, and many young people feel disengaged from traditional democratic structures. They often see formal participation channels as inaccessible or irrelevant. This “distrust rift” challenges democratic values and raises urgent questions: how can participation be reimagined to reflect young people’s realities?

We will explore alternative democratic practices—from grassroots activism to digital participation—that can rebuild trust and make engagement meaningful again. What new forms of participation resonate with young people today? How can youth work and education support them in shaping democratic practices that feel authentic?

3. The Manipulated Feed: Navigating Disinformation Architectures Affecting Youth

Digital platforms, algorithm-driven feeds and AI generated visuals shape how young people see the world today. For young people immersed in digital spaces, this “manipulated feed” poses risks to critical thinking and democratic resilience.

We will examine how disinformation architectures work, and how youth work and education can strengthen media literacy and equip young people to navigate these challenges. How can professionals guide young people in questioning online content and resisting manipulation? What practical skills and tools are most effective in building resilience against disinformation?

4. The Art of Disagreement: Facilitating Youth Dialogue and Democratic Engagement 

Ideological divides and polarising political narratives are shaping young people’s experiences across Europe. Elections and political conflicts often intensify these divides, leaving young people uncertain about how to engage constructively. Yet disagreement can also be a powerful learning opportunity—helping young people develop empathy, negotiation skills, and resilience.

We will explore how dialogue can be facilitated respectfully, and how disagreement can become a pathway to deeper democratic engagement. How can youth workers and educators manage disagreement without reinforcing divisions? What dialogue methods and participatory approaches help young people engage across ideological lines?

Participants or active contributors?

This seminar is intended to belong to its participants. We invite you to step beyond the role of a "listener" and take the lead in shaping our collective knowledge and supporting the Community of Practice. In your application, please propose ideas if you would like to:

• Lead a Hands-on Workshop (Toolfair-like): Facilitate a session to demonstrate a specific method, game, or tool you use in your daily work.
• Become a "Human Book" in our Living Library: Share a story of a specific project case, including the real-world successes and challenges of bridging social gaps.
• Host a Roundtable Discussion: Propose and lead a deep-dive conversation on a "burning topic" or dilemma connected to youth, democracy and polarisation.

Who is the event for?

• Representatives of youth work, formal education (schools/universities), civic leaders, community builders, municipalities, or other structures (experts, researchers, decision-makers)
• Experience and interest in youth participation, civic education, or democratic participation
• Motivated to address polarisation and youth participation through youth work/education and explore cross-sectoral collaboration
• Capable of communicating effectively in English
• At least 18 years old.

Considerations in the selection of participants:

• Participation is open to all National Agencies/countries interested in the topic of the event, even if they are not part of NPiY Strategic Partnership.
• NA colleagues/representatives interested in participating are invited to write directly to us, without filling-in the application form.

What are the costs?

• Accommodation, meals and other logistics for the dates of the event are covered by NPiY partnership for all participants (except NA staff).
• Each NA/regional SALTO needs to cover travel costs of all participants, according to their internal rules. Applicants are required to check with the responsible national/regional institution for any details regarding travel costs or other fees that might be required by them.

The seminar “Beyond Polarisations: Youth Renewing Democracy” is part of the New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC), between several Erasmus+ National Agencies in the field of youth and SALTO Resource Centres. The event will be hosted by  Haridus- ja Noorteamet (the Estonian Education and Youth Board).

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Accommodation, meals and other logistics for the dates of the event are covered by NPiY partnership for all participants (except NA staff).

Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries, Western Balkan countries

English

To be decided according to the internal rules of each NA. NPiY does not require a separate fee. 

Each NA/regional SALTO needs to cover travel costs of all participants, according to their internal rules. Applicants are required to check with the responsible national/regional institution for any details regarding travel costs or other fees that might be required by them.